Happy Thanksgiving

I'm thankful for my children, I truly am, but there's no picture today. I had grand ambitions of taking some lovely pictures of the kids at the park this afternoon, frolicking in the leaves, laughing together. But they had other ideas. After a very leisurely morning at home playing and doing chores, I bundled them up in their new winter coats and tuques to expend some energy down at the park. I should have stayed home at my first threat when Schmoo had a fit about....I can't even remember now and slumped herself in the corner by the front door, whimpering. But no, I persevered. We got almost to the park when they started bickering and whining about one thing or another and I was forced to pull over and look them both in the eye and tell them that we were going home. Schmoo quickly realized I meant business as she turned her head towards the window and didn't say another word. Bean proceeded to scream the entire way home.

I ushered them upstairs and into their rooms, with instructions to stay there and think about how they had hurt my feelings. Time and time again I try my best to do fun things with them and it drives me CRAZY when they just complain and cry the entire time. So today was lesson day. Bean eventually cried himself to sleep, which is probably exactly what he needed. Schmoo stayed away for awhile and then tried to come out several times before I finally let her out. They certainly were much better behaved when we went out in the car after quiet time to pick up a few groceries and some movies.

We came home and I made an Italian meatball soup for our dinner. It was nice to eat all together and Schmoo even decided today that she liked the zucchini. We had a speedy bath and then all snuggled down on the couch to watch "Nim's Island". They weren't sure about it at first, as it wasn't a cartoon movie, but at the end, Schmoo was asking if we could rent it again. She really liked it. Now they're tucked into bed with lots of time for Mama to make lunches and watch another movie all by herself.

It was good to hear that Papa had arrived safely in England today after his long journey. We all commented today how much we missed you, Papa. Please give Grandad a big hug for us tomorrow.